Big benefits, small benefits

(Baonghean) - In recent days, the online community has been abuzz with the story of a Vietnamese girl who went backpacking in the US and only spent $300.

In her travel story, she mentioned that many backpackers buy essential items like sleeping bags and tents without removing the tags. After their trip, they return them to the store and get their money back, so they still have the supplies for their trip without spending a single penny. My wife read this and slapped her thigh with delight, saying to me:

"Honey, from now on I can buy beautiful clothes without worrying about spending too much money! I'll keep the tags on, wear them carefully, and then return them to the store. I'll use the money I get back to buy another outfit. It's both economical and I can wear new clothes constantly – what a great trick!"

"Nonsense! If anyone found out, how could I ever show my face again? People would think I'm a stingy husband who doesn't let his wife buy new clothes, or that I'm incompetent and useless, unable to earn enough money to provide for my wife and children. Are you trying to 'put me down'? I took you shopping all day the other day, and you're still not satisfied? Why am I suffering like this, God...?"

Illustrative image - Source: Internet

My wife listened to my long rant and fell silent, her eyes welling up with tears as if she knew she was at fault. I knew exactly what that meant; she'd probably just spotted a new dress she'd fallen for but was too shy to ask for. But it seemed she still harbored hopes of learning my trick for buying things for free, so after a moment's thought, I decided to nip her idea in the bud.

- What's so great about those petty tricks? It's no different from deception! Not to mention the risks. What if the item you "fake" bought is too valuable, and something gets damaged, scratched, or lost during use? Wouldn't that be shooting yourself in the foot? I have a friend who went abroad to study, and when he applied for citizenship, he was rejected for a reason that sounds ridiculous: While he was a student, he had evaded paying the subway fare several times and been caught by inspectors. He thought paying a few dozen euros would be enough, but it ended up being added to his citizen records. When he applied for citizenship, they said, "You are dishonest, you try to exploit loopholes in the system for your own gain; we don't welcome you here." Don't think your little tricks and schemes go unnoticed or don't affect you. It's just that people don't bother to confront you, or it's not the right time yet. People are often blinded by small gains, only to regret it later when they lose something much bigger!

My wife listened attentively, gradually appearing to understand the issue. Then she turned to me and whispered, "Honey, it's just that people often want things beyond their means, which is why they go to such lengths and resort to such schemes. If they have a lot of money, they spend it lavishly; if they have little money, they spend it lavishly. So I won't like this dress anymore; I'd prefer something cheaper. What do you think?"

After hearing that, I fainted!

Hai Trieu